Hindus Celebrate Kumbh Mela

Often called the world's biggest gathering of people, the Maha Kumbh Mela attracts an estimated 80 million people, mostly Hindus, who come to bathe in the Ganges River, where the gods are believed to have spilled drops of the nectar of immortality.

Feb. 20, 2013 12:16 p.m. ET

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People walked across bridges to take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers, in Allahabad, a city in Uttar Pradesh that is hosting this year's Kumbh Mela from Jan. 14 to March 10.
Mannish Swarup/Associated Press…

Hindu devotees bathed Feb. 9. The Kumbh Mela, which translates to 'water-pitcher festival,' is believed to be at least two millennia old.
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Pilgrims warmed up in their camp in the early morning.
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The festival attracts an eclectic mix of Hindu holy men, Indian movie stars, pilgrims and curious tourists, who come to bathe in the Ganges, India's holiest river.
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An Indian woman held up the corners of two saris to dry on the banks of the Ganges, where Hindus believe the gods spilled drops of the nectar of immortality at the time of the creation.
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An Indian man held his wife who died in Feb. 10 in a stampede at a railway station in Allahabad. At least 36 people were killed.
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Hindu holy men got their beards and heads shaved before being initiated as Naga sadhus, or naked Hindu holy men, at the festival.
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A Hindu holy man of the Juna Akhara sect took part in a ritual believed to rid participants of all ties in this life and dedicate them to serving as Naga sadhus, in Allahabad, Feb. 7.
Mannish Swarup/Associated Press…